California
California’s landscapes shift from Los Angeles beaches and Big Sur cliffs to desert art, Lake Tahoe, wine country, and redwood coast. Our local guides cover road trips, photo spots, camping, and weekend escapes.
About CaliforniaBest Time to Visit
Apr - Jun and Sep - Nov are mild statewide. Jul - Sep is best for the north coast; winter is best for desert landscapes.
Time Zone
Pacific Time
UTC-8 · UTC-7 in summer
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Languages
English; Spanish is also widely spoken.
English is widely spoken nationwide.
Best Paired With
Editor’s Picks
Best Beaches
20 Best Beaches in California - Near Los Angeles and Beyond (From a Local)
California is the beach state as much as the Golden State, where are the top ones? If you're looking to swim, spend a day with family, or find the bluest water on the Best Coast, the best beaches up and down the Southern and Central Coast, from a born-and-raised local; with downloadable Google Map.
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Travel Guides
Los Angeles Photo Guide: 39 Best Photo Spots in LA (From a Local)
LA is full of perfect Instagram-worthy photo spots. From the beaches to the mountains to city lights, the options here are endless. Beyond the well-known icons, here are all of my local and lesser-known favorite places to shoot and to enjoy.
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View All North America DestinationsFeatured Guide
The Valle De Guadalupe Wine and Dining Travel Guide: The Best Weekend Getaway from Southern California is in Baja
A short drive into Baja California, Mexico is Valle da Guadalupe - One of the most exciting wine tasting regions in the world. A full itinerary travel guide of where to stay, eat, and drink. Our guide to best hotels, resorts, and restaurants in the valley, the wineries you can't miss, and everything you need to know.
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California Guides
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Beauty
Is NakedMD Med Spa Too Cheap to Be True? Honest Botox, Filler, and Microneedling Review
Is NakedMD legit or just another viral Beverly Hills med spa with suspiciously low prices? After trying Botox, filler, microneedling with PRF, and Sculptra over multiple appointments, I documented the real experience, pricing, downtime, and results that made me keep going back - including real unfiltered before and after photos.
Travel Guides
California Weekend Outdoor Destinations: From Coastal Camping to Light Adventure Routes
Looking for the best California weekend outdoor destinations? From Big Sur coastal camping and Lake Tahoe lake escapes to Joshua Tree stargazing and Mammoth Lakes adventures, these trips offer a mix of nature, relaxation, and light outdoor recreation across the state.
Features
A Softer Side of California Camping: Lakes, Canyons, Desert Nights, and Comfortable Outdoor Living
From lakeside mornings and canyon adventures to stargazing under desert skies, California camping comes in many forms. Comfortable gear and a well-designed campsite can transform a short weekend trip into a relaxing outdoor retreat. Here is how to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort.
Features
How to Visit San Francisco on a Budget
San Francisco has a reputation for being expensive, but some of its best experiences cost almost nothing. From walking across the Golden Gate Bridge to cheap eats in Chinatown and free waterfront views, it’s still possible to experience the city without overspending.
Beauty
How to Save Money on Luxury Beauty Products: 10 Hacks for High-End Beauty For Less
Luxury Beauty Hacks: high-end skincare, hair care, make-up, and everything else that goes into taking care of ourselves and being beautiful adds up quick! While the idea of "you get what you pay for" is very true, especially when it comes to quality beauty products, I have continually searched for tips, consulted professionals, and scoured the internet for ways to save and make it all add up to a lower price - this is my complete list.
Home And Garden
How to Plan a Restorative Self-Care Day at Home Without Feeling Guilty
Feeling overwhelmed? Take a self-care day that actually helps you reset—no guilt, no pressure. From slow mornings to unplugging and eating what feels good, here’s how to recharge at home in a way that works for you.
Features
Top 20 Underrated Destinations for your 2026 Travel Bucket List
Looking for somewhere unique and unexpected to travel to next year? Our guide to 20 lesser known and visited places for the adventurous traveler.
Travel Guides
The Valle De Guadalupe Wine and Dining Travel Guide: The Best Weekend Getaway from Southern California is in Baja
A short drive into Baja California, Mexico is Valle da Guadalupe - One of the most exciting wine tasting regions in the world. A full itinerary travel guide of where to stay, eat, and drink. Our guide to best hotels, resorts, and restaurants in the valley, the wineries you can't miss, and everything you need to know.
Photography
12 Christmas Photo Ideas For Fun Holiday Photoshoots
Looking for something new and creative for this yea's Christmas photos? Whether you're a couple, a family, or shooting solo, I've pulled our best holiday photoshoots over the years - and some photography tips!
Hotels
Top 12 Hotels in the United States Worth Redeeming your Marriott Bonvoy Points For
Marriott Bonvoy is one of the best and easiest ways to travel hack your way to free hotel rooms and massively discounted vacations. From historical buildings, to luxurious resorts, to surprisingly awesome lower point tier stays in epic locations - these are 12 of the best Marriott hotels across The United States to spend your Bonvoy Points on.
Wedding And Honeymoon
Planning a Big Sur Wedding? It Is Even Harder And More Expensive Than You Think
Getting Married in Big Sur, California was the only thing we were sure about when we got engaged. Then Wedding planning, vendors, and venues became a nightmare. The unabridged truth (and cost) about having a Big Sur Wedding.
Best Beaches
20 Best Beaches in California - Near Los Angeles and Beyond (From a Local)
California is the beach state as much as the Golden State, where are the top ones? If you're looking to swim, spend a day with family, or find the bluest water on the Best Coast, the best beaches up and down the Southern and Central Coast, from a born-and-raised local; with downloadable Google Map.